The E³UDRES² Spring Summit 2025, held in Enschede, the Netherlands, from March 17-21, brought together international stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, students, and industry leaders to explore the future of regional innovation, higher education, and applied research. Hosted by Saxion University of Applied Sciences, as member of the E³UDRES² alliance, this dynamic five-day event highlighted the power of deep-tech innovation in shaping regional development.
The summit kicked off with an engaging presentation from Professor Abeje Mersha from the Smart Mechatronics and Robotics Research Group. This session featured the research group, followed by an exclusive tour of their state-of-the-art facilities. Afterwards, a keynote talk by Pedro Dominguinhos, Director of the Recovery and Resilience Fund in Portugal, took place followed by a company visit to Demcon showcasing deep-tech innovations from the region, and our triple helix organization Twente Board. This forum set the stage for discussing solutions and innovation at the intersection of industry and policy. Attendees learned how their collaboration with E³UDRES² enhances research, fosters interdisciplinary innovation, and strengthens efforts to address local challenges.
Erwin Hoogland, Deputy of the Province of Overijssel, delivered an insightful keynote on driving innovation within regions, while Johan de Heer, Director of Research and Innovation at Thales, spoke about the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. He emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative environment for long-term regional success.
Carole Basile, Dean of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University (ASU), shared an inspirational keynote on the future of education: "Leading for Variance." She spoke about the critical role of the teacher and the realms of teaching and learning. Furthermore, she touched upon the future of education and her vision of the new generation of learners.
The Nine Innovation Hubs
Attendees had the chance to explore the E³UDRES² Innovation Hubs, which are playing a pivotal role in advancing regional development. E³UDRES² creates innovation hubs across all nine regions, fostering regional collaboration and innovation. The Science Festival allowed participants to witness firsthand the impact of cutting-edge research and technology. An overview of the four Prospective Applied Centres of Excellence (PACEs) within E³UDRES² was presented, where specialized expertise and cutting-edge research come together.
Key Outcomes and Reflections
The E³UDRES² Spring Summit 2025 was not just an event but a platform for building international cooperation, enhancing university-industry partnerships, and promoting regional innovation. With challenges such as new educational concepts and economic inequality pressing upon us, the summit served as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration and actionable policies.
Discussions centered on how our applied universities can adapt to future needs, collaborate more closely with industries, and create solutions that drive both social and economic growth. Deep-tech innovations were central to discussions on regional resilience, with numerous breakthroughs presented during the summit.
Links
➝ E³UDRES² Spring Summit: Aftermovie
➝ Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Article created by: Saxion UAS
